By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The three automated refuse trucks used to collect trash by the Hays Public Works Department are the same trucks originally purchased when the blue polycart automated pickup program went into effect in late 2007.

The current trucks have approximately 60,000 to 70,000 miles on them and approximately 13,000 hours, according to Jesse Rohr, Public Works Director.

“Industry standard and the type of service it takes is about a six to eight year life span,” Rohr reported to city commissioners last week. “We had originally planned for 10 years. They’ve been in service for 11. It’s time to replace the vehicles.”

“We run two trucks daily. We run three trucks holidays and some Fridays. We always need that back-up truck,” Rohr insisted. “If a truck goes down, we cannot get through our routes on a daily basis with a single truck. We can make concessions for a few hours at a time if necessary but ongoing if we have one down for a week, we may have some serious issues.”

Rohr noted one of the current trucks was recently considered totaled following an accident. The city’s insurance will allow for a truck to be leased until the three new trucks are in service.

Staff is recommending the commission approve the low bid of $638,076 (after trade allowance of $105,000 or $35,000 per truck) from Doonan Peterbilt of Hays three Model 520 Peterbilt trucks with the New Way Sidewinder packer body.

City commissioners will consider awarding the low bid during their meeting Thursday. 

Other agenda items include the new employee pay plan and job classification program as well as bid awards for sewer line cleaning and manhole rehabilitation.

The complete Sept. 13 agenda is available here. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.